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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
08:41
Modeling Chemotherapy Resistant Leukemia In Vitro
Published on: February 9, 2016
Bone marrow stromal cells regulate caspase 3 activity in leukemic cells during chemotherapy
J E Fortney1, W Zhao, S L Wenger
1Department of Pediatrics, PO Box 9214, Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
Leukemia Research
|September 5, 2001
Summary
The bone marrow microenvironment protects leukemia cells from chemotherapy. Stromal cells reduce caspase 3 activity in leukemia cells, suggesting a mechanism for chemotherapy resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Leukemic cells interact with bone marrow stromal cells, enhancing survival during chemotherapy.
- The bone marrow microenvironment plays a crucial role in protecting leukemia cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if co-culture with bone marrow stromal cells affects caspase activation in B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells during chemotherapy.
- To explore the role of stromal cell interaction in chemotherapy resistance.
Main Methods:
- In vitro co-culture of B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells with human bone marrow stromal cells.
- Treatment with chemotherapeutic agents (Ara-C and VP-16).
- Measurement of caspase 3 activity in leukemic cells.
Main Results:
- Co-culture with bone marrow stromal cells significantly reduced caspase 3 activity in leukemic cells treated with Ara-C or VP-16.
- Stromal cell association protected leukemic cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Bone marrow stromal cells regulate caspase 3 activity, contributing to leukemic cell survival.
- The bone marrow microenvironment's protective effect against chemotherapy may involve modulation of caspase pathways.
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